The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has explained what people must include when reporting unlawful online content, saying complaints need enough details to identify the material.
The authority has also outlined the circumstances in which it may reject complaints and explained why blocking content on some websites may require cooperation from service providers or platform administrators.
PTA shared these details in a reply submitted to the court in Writ Petition No. 4163 of 2026, filed by Waqas Nasir against the Federation of Pakistan and others. The case concerns protecting children from the harmful effects of social media and the digital environment.
How PTA Handles Complaints
PTA said it has a system for receiving complaints from the public and other stakeholders, including an online portal for reporting unlawful content. The authority reviews complaints under the relevant laws and takes regulatory action when the reported material falls within its legal authority.
However, not every complaint is accepted. PTA said it may reject complaints that lack sufficient information or the required details. It may also decline to entertain duplicate complaints, matters already under investigation, or cases that require a detailed examination of documents and oral evidence.
Complaints from people who are not directly affected by the reported matter may also be rejected. Anonymous complaints are another category that may not be entertained under the prescribed rules.
Rejected Complaints
PTA said the applicable rules require it to inform complainants when their complaints are rejected. The authority maintained that its system is designed to ensure reports are reviewed through a defined process and that any regulatory action follows the relevant legal provisions.
Why Blocking is Sometimes Difficult
PTA also explained that blocking content on websites or platforms that use HTTPS may require coordination with the relevant service provider or platform administrator.
The available technical options depend on the type of content, the applicable laws, and the technical arrangements involved. PTA reiterated that complaints must contain enough information to identify the reported material so the authority can examine it.
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